Myers-Briggs Personality Descriptions



Divine Design Descriptions

Descriptions for ASSESSMENT ONE

Spiritual Gifts

Administration is a gift that provides insight into other people’s spiritual gifting as well as natural talent, which allows for placing people who want to minister in a particular way together with those who need just this ministry. These are "well connected" advisors in the body. (The Septuagint uses this same word in Proverbs 24:6 & 11:14.)

Artistry is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God through various forms of artistic abilities.

Discernment is the heightened ability to read or hear a teaching, to encounter a problem, or to consider a proposed course of action, and then determine whether the source behind the teaching, problem, or action is divine, merely human, or satanic.

Evangelism is a special ability to lead unconverted persons to a saving knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The person with this gift has the wisdom to know when, who, and how to call the rebellious into the Kingdom of God. Evangelists are the spiritual "obstetricians" in the church.

Exhortation is the gift of being able to encourage others by well-timed and wise counsel. This gift builds the Body of Christ by helping new, young and adolescent disciples to turn from sin and believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. Also called the gift of Counseling or Encouragement.

Faith as a gift is an extraordinary confidence in God that is unshakable by situations, pain, apparent failure, or ridicule. This gift strengthens the individual and other believers (by example) to endure persecution and wait upon the Lord.

Giving empowers one in a sensitive way to detect material or financial needs and meet those needs with Spirit inspired generosity. Recipients of help from Christians with this gift have a clear sense that God has provided, not man.

Hospitality is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to open their homes willingly and offer lodging, food, and fellowship cheerfully to other people. See Genesis 18:1-15.

Intercession is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to pray for extended periods of time with great positive effect for the building of the Kingdom. See 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

Knowledge is the special ability to discover, organize, relate and clarify information and ideas from Scripture.

Leadership Those with this gift go first and lead by example, so that others are motivated to follow. (1Cor 11:1) Those with the gift of leadership are quick to identify problems and show by doing how to minister to those in need.

Mercy transcends both natural human sympathy and normal Christian concern, enabling one to sense in others a wide range of emotions and then provide a supportive ministry of caring and intercessory prayer.

Music is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God through various forms of music and enhance the worship experience of the local congregation. See 1 Corinthians 14:26, Mark 14:26.

Pastoral is the gift that allows you to ministering to an individual or community of Christian believers. This gift is a special passion and empowering to lead people into green pastures, steer others away from danger, fight off predators, and bind up wounds.

Service is a gift that expresses the love of Christ by taking care of lowly or time-consuming tasks to allow others to be more effective ministers. Similar to the gift of Helps, but here the work performed is menial rather than skilled. Those with this gift are the truest and highest leaders in the church, and ought to be recognized as such.

Skilled Craft is the special gift whereby the Spirit endows certain Christians to use hands and minds to build up the Kingdom through artistic, creative means. See Exodus 28:3-4.

Teaching is the ability to understand and communicate the Christian faith so as to make the truth clear to others. The result of this gift is the equipping and maturing of others in the body of Christ so that they will grow in grace and be more effective disciples.

Wisdom is special illumination that enables one in a specific instance to grasp divine insight regarding a fact, situation, or context. This gift is useful in directing the Body in what to do next; in making God's will known.

Writing is the ability to understand and communicate the Christian faith in writing so as to make the truth clear to others. The result of this gift is the equipping and maturing of others in the body of Christ so that they will grow in grace and be more effective disciples.

Descriptions for ASSESSMENT TWO

Myers-Briggs Personality Descriptions

(Adapted from LifeKeys by Kise, Stark, Hirsch)

Be sure to review each statement and take out ones that do not fit you and add some that do!

ISTJ

“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” 1 Thessalonians 5:13

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Being dutiful and responsible conservers of tradition

• Having hard-working, dependable, and pragmatic habits

• Using past experience effectively

• Consistently bringing order and logic to all they do

Leadership Style

• Traditional and analytical approach

• Focusing on a daily basis on what needs to be done to keep things "shipshape"

• Adding an efficient and factual perspective to leadership

• Selected by others to lead because of straightforward approach

Common "Confessions

• Not wanting to change the status quo

• Becoming rules-minded and overlooking exceptional needs

• Seeking to know all the nitty-gritty and in the process missing the "big picture"

• Doubting they are "fearfully and wonderfully made," being too aware of areas for self-improvement

Preferred Environment for Service

• Individual, hands-on assignments or projects

• Administrative areas, especially organizational, financial, record keeping

• Managing general office tasks to keep things running smoothly

• Overseeing work or doing it themselves

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Traditional Bible study

• Daily devotions, contemplation, and prayer

• Reading or hearing about tangible and concrete examples of God's grace in action

• Religious objects, which serve as reminders of one's faith

Trap: Being so aware of "works" that they forget they are already saved through grace, not through action

ISTP

“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” John 3:21

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Finding the best way—without red tape—to handle a project

• Contributing quietly, behind the scenes

• Setting up and maintaining automation, computerization

• Being a storehouse of facts and details about their special interests

Leadership Style

• Crisp, practical, efficient, as needed leadership

• Hands-off style unless situation or people call for more

• Perseverance, technical orientation, matched with flexibility and calmness

• Nonhierarchical and egalitarian model for authority

Common "Confessions"

• Allowing spiritual life to be more incidental or accidental

• Finding worship or emotional expression of others awkward or even intimidating

• Not factoring the needs of others into daily living

• Trying to reduce everything to a logical formula

Preferred Environment for Service

• Tasks requiring artisans or craftspeople

• Straightforward, pragmatic, and necessary projects (sidewalk repairs, building upkeep, etc.)

• Involvement with physically oriented or sports ministries

• Crisis intervention-flood and other kinds of disaster relief

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Disciplined quiet study and prayer

• One-on-one spiritual direction with a trusted, like-minded other

• Reading and reflecting about biblical facts and details essential to one's faith

• Being in nature

Trap: Isolating self from spiritual community

ESTJ

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them.” 1 Timothy 4:15

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Organizing to meet day-to-day concerns

• Using direct experience/memory of what is most efficient

• Modeling consistent spiritual habits

• Insisting that "hard questions" be answered

Leadership Style

• Traditional, hierarchical style

• Modeling preparedness and efficiency

• Defining and focusing efforts to meet goals

• Marshaling people and tasks in a no-nonsense manner

Preferred Environment for Service

• Management and administration

• Direct, tangible, need-related projects

• Ferreting out problematic areas

• Managing funds according to goals and schedules

Common "Confessions"

• Staying stuck with the tried and true

• Becoming overly rules-bound/ legalistic

• Skeptical-needing proof first

• Missing the wider ramifications of their quick decisions

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Introspection and meditation

• Developing empathy through serving others face-to-face

• Allowing Bible study to influence personal values

• Spending more time with those about whom they care

Trap: Doubting the relevance of even having a faith

ESFJ

“For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”

1 Corinthians 10:33

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Preserving the faith from one generation to the next

• Offering a service orientation, warmth and caring

• Making people feel welcome and valued

• Knowing what matters for people and organizations

Leadership Style

• Traditional take-charge yet take-care style

• Building relationships into coalitions to accomplish tasks

• Including others' opinions and inviting them into direct service

• Following a cooperative, consensual, and timely plan to get things done

Preferred Environment for Service

• Hospitality responsibilities (welcoming, decorations, social activities, etc.)

• Visiting with the elderly, sick, shut-ins

• Organizing food shelves, daycare shelters, recovery groups, etc.

• Administrating youth, education, or social organizations

Common "Confessions"

• Telling others what they ought/ should be doing

• Sweeping conflicts under the rug to maintain harmony

• Caretaking until others lose interest in providing for their own needs

• Being reluctant to question tradition or leaders

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Group Bible study with applications to daily life

• Evangelism and other outreach programs

• Retreats with others where emphasis is on Christian fellowship

• Reading/hearing accounts of grace in the lives of others

Trap: Focusing so much on others that they overlook their own feelings and needs

ESTP

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Paying attention to what needs doing/fixing right now

• Meeting practical needs in the most efficient way

• Reminding others of the joys of this life, this present time

• Adding a "spark of life" to what they care about; catch the moment and ride the wave!

Leadership Style

• Negotiator, conciliator, or motivator to action

• Bringing order out of chaos, managing distractions well

• Finding the fastest and most direct way to move a task along

• Using an uncanny and exquisite sense of timing when taking charge

Preferred Environment for Service

• Natural crises and disaster relief

• Working with all ages in activity oriented ministries

• Hands-on projects

• Taking care of physical property

Common "Confessions"

• Questioning reality of religion; hard to take things on faith

• Being skeptical about immortality

• Overlooking spiritual life because of focus on real life

• Finding it hard to be patient in dry periods of faith

Possible Spiritual Helps

• In-depth Bible study, focusing on the logical and practical applications of faith

• Quiet time for meditation and rest

• Being in nature

Trap: Spending too much time in activities, too little in reflection

ISFJ

“Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:1, NRSV

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Providing stability, improving efficiency

• Offering a sensible and matter-of-fact attention to daily concerns of people

• Accurately recalling specifics found in conversations and situations

• Adding a sense of dignity and respect to all aspects of the community

Leadership Style

• Encouraging the best from others

• Conscientiously organizing behind the scenes to accomplish tasks

• Enrolling others in a practical, kind, and cooperative way

• Willing to lead if asked

Preferred Environment for Service

• Office administration, financial and other record keeping

• Projects focused on health or medical care for others

• Standing committees whose purpose is to provide practical help

• Assisting willingly in any volunteer activity as asked

Common "Confessions"

• Not seeing how all the details add up to become the overall plan

• Retreating from calling attention to selves or claiming their just due

• Avoiding complex and philosophical topics

• Filling time with "all that needs to be done," sometimes neglecting their own spiritual needs

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Spiritual direction for insights as to how God is at work in their lives

• Being in nature to contemplate and sense God's creation

• Structured traditional daily devotions and prayer

• Bible verses that appeal to the senses-the lilies of the field, a single mustard seed, etc.

Trap: Deferring too much to the wants of others

ISFP

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40, NRSV

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Providing loving, gentle, behind-the-scenes help

• Seeing the hand of God in the beauty of nature

• Offering acts of altruistic charity

• Giving immediate, direct, one-on-one help to people in need

Leadership Style

• Leading directly only when they have crucial knowledge or when no one else will

• Taking responsibility by doing needed detail and follow through

• Considerate, compassionate, tolerant, and forgiving

• Flexible and open to needs of the present

Preferred Environment for Service

• Nursery, preschool, those with special needs, and elder care

• Prayer and healing

• Practical support to needy others

• Participating in craft and artistic endeavors

Common "Confessions"

• May not take credit that is due, and may be too modest for their own good

• Sacrificing self to greater welfare

• Avoiding firm stand until values are crossed-then watch out!

• Not making appropriate demands on others

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Selecting role models for the kind of spiritual life sought

• Being in nature, meditating on God in natural things; experiencing true leisure time alone for reflection

• Joining a small group to add structure to spiritual journey

Trap: Not valuing self highly enough

ESFP

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Reminding others how to appreciate the wonders of God through one's five senses

• Bringing enjoyment to all

• Being generous with time and talents

• Adding warmth, excitement, and fun to endeavors

Leadership Style

• Attracting others by enthusiasm, optimism, and zest

• Energizing people to start a task

• Seeking input from all involved before making a binding decision

• Facilitating conflict and crises through a warm and personal approach

Preferred Environment for Service

• Tangible acts of service for others such as decorating, providing flowers, or arranging transportation

• Youth, young adult, sports, and action-oriented ministries

• Visitation of sick and elderly

• Planning and staffing community-building celebrations or gatherings

Common "Confessions"

• Neglecting to make time for God and spiritual matters

• Not giving enough thought to future concerns

• Being too generous or giving too much of self to others

• Not wanting to act alone

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Group devotions or study time

• Looking for concrete experiences of God in daily life

• Biblical study for applications to one's own life

• Considering both the positive and negative sides of spiritual offerings

Trap: Trying to please everyone at the same time

INFJ

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Understanding the feelings and motivations of others

• Finding creative ways for people to accomplish tasks, making the process enjoyable

• Modeling integrity and follow-through

• Lending future-oriented ideas to planning and development

Leadership Style

• Developing an atmosphere of mutual trust

• Working for cooperation rather than demanding it

• Inspiring others with their goals and plans for attaining them

• Acting as facilitators

Preferred Environment for Service

• Ministries that seek to help others grow and develop

• Spiritual direction or one-on-one counseling

• Using words, oral or written, to influence outcomes for people

• Small group leadership

Common "Confessions"

• Finding it difficult to ask others for help

• Reluctantly advocating for their ideas or talents

• Focusing with such intensity on their own "vision" that they miss the suggestions of others

• Withholding needed criticism to maintain harmony

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Journaling and poetic writing

• Finding an "encourager," someone who will listen to ideas and suggest taking action

• Using creative imagery to make Scripture come alive

• Time alone to reflect, meditate, and pray

Trap: Trying to work things out alone, being hesitant or afraid to ask for the help of others

INFP

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Bringing a compassionate, caring, and personal focus to those places they serve

• Adding a spirit of harmony

• Reminding others of their ideals and the worthiness of striving to meet them

• Providing a positive vision for the future

Leadership Style

• Facilitating people and processes

• Persuading through their convictions and inspiring others to do what is right

• Working with individuals to reach their fullest potential

• Holding people and organizations accountable to values; providing integrity

Preferred Environment for Service

• One-on-one counseling/ coaching

• Prayer partners

• Areas where they can add creative ideas

• Ministries that make use of the fine arts

Common "Confessions"

• Taking negative feedback personally, needing too much positive support

• Believing that others do not care enough

• Avoiding issues where conflict may emerge unless a value is crossed—then a tiger emerges!

• Coming across to others as too idealistic and impractical

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Reading and identifying with the compassionate "giants" of faith

• Prayer partners and prayer circles

• Contemplation and meditation

• Inspirational music, books, and symbols

Trap: Being entrenched in one's ideals

ENFP

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Offering warmth and enthusiasm

• Adding vision and zest to community undertakings

• Sharing resources, especially people and books

• Valuing widespread interests and relationships

Leadership Style

• Using personal charm and charisma to get others started

• Motivating and encouraging people to do their best

• Advocating for the less fortunate

• Providing ingenious ideas

Preferred Environment for Service

• Missions or service-related projects that involve building relationships

• Evangelism, public speaking, promoting

• Liaison to other service organizations/groups, especially those with a creative focus

• Youth work, multicultural and diverse environments

Common "Confessions"

• Over-committing—so many needs, so little time

• Neglecting to give attention to personal, physical, and emotional needs

• Learning just enough about a subject to be "dangerous" or to get by

• Not following through before moving on

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Methodical spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, worship, etc.)

• Singing, acting, dancing, being out in the natural world

• Spiritual study, discussion, or fellowship with small groups

• Self-reflection to get in touch with own feelings

Trap: Being attracted to the newest, latest, most intriguing ...

ENFJ

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Monitoring values and integrity

• Supporting others with warmth and encouragement

• Believing in the positive nature of people

• Inviting others to live up to their ideals

Leadership Style

• Large-scale organizing using the best people have to offer

• Planning for the future needs of the group or community

• Modeling exemplary behavior

• Being willing to personally dig in to accomplish the task at hand

Preferred Environment for Service

• Preaching, adult and children's education, sharing one's faith via oral communication

• Greeting newcomers, creating inclusive atmospheres

• Structuring ministries to target the large-scale needs of people

• Organizing fellowship activities and providing a sense of harmony and fun

Common "Confessions"

• Becoming too personally involved in the success or failure of endeavors

• Assuming their way is the most noble or altruistic

• Keeping conflict under wraps in favor of harmony, not wanting to ruffle feathers

• Taking the weight of the world on their shoulders

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Personal quiet time with God

• Rest and spiritual retreat to remove responsibilities and focus on personal faith

• Studying the lives of biblical and other spiritual leaders for insights into their personal lives

• Meeting with others in mutual authenticity, looking past the "shoulds" to encourage and honestly affirm each other

Trap: Avoiding the expression of negative feelings that might result in disharmony-even in relationship with God.

INTJ

“I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 1:13

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Envisioning systems to create a better world

• Breaking new ground, shifting paradigms, and changing the way people view things

• Designing or adjusting strategies and structures for future needs

• Thinking and acting independently from traditional or outmoded ways

Leadership Style

• Being a force for change by virtue of the power of their ideas

• Challenging self and others to work toward a compelling future

• Developing conceptual designs and models

• Seeing patterns and systems which solve complex problems

Preferred Environment for Service

• Spiritual coaching and direction

• Teaching, especially adults

• Long-range planning and strategy development

• Finding new approaches with wide ramifications for traditional ministries

Common "Confessions"

• Reluctant to share real self with others

• Wanting to find answers to everything that interests or concerns them

• Not feeling as competent as they'd like

• Expecting others to "see" the future as they do

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Spiritual direction to address specific issues

• Intellectual study, dialogue or debate on matters of faith, especially with experts

• Contemplation, reflection, and meditation

• Silent or directed spiritual retreats

Trap: Being lost in thought-not mindful of others or situation

INTP

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more in knowledge and depth of insight.” Philippians 1:9

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Relentlessly searching for truth in all things spiritual

• Finding out the long-term consequences of any given plan or strategy for action

• Pointing out errors of logic or sentimentality

• Providing clear, analytical frameworks for understanding

Leadership Style

• Winning respect through depth of knowledge

• Demonstrating ability to conceptualize an issue

• Influencing through theoretical ideas

• Making decisions from a sound, logical foundation

Preferred Environment for Service

• Providing an orderly approach to exploring spiritual issues

• Scholarly or intellectual endeavors

• Conceptualizing or blueprinting an outreach ministry, or service effort

• Program review and development

Common "Confessions"

• Getting too caught up in skepticism

• Attempting to intellectualize faith to the exclusion of the heart

• Ignoring physical and other tangible needs until problems arise

• Underestimating the personal needs of others, overriding their concerns

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Intellectually demanding and challenging Bible study

• Spiritual resources which demonstrate logically the principles of faith

• Reflection, prayer, and meditation

• Spiritual direction with accountability for continuing their Christian growth

Trap: Not realizing how they are coming across, especially when in pursuit of truth

ENTP

“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 3:12, NRSV

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Initiating new projects, direction, etc., with enthusiasm and energy

• Meeting challenges proactively

• Providing insight and imagination to tasks and projects

• Exhibiting resourcefulness with strategies and structures

Leadership Style

• Using models and logical systems to meet needs

• Speaking out for change

• Organizing, operating, and assuming the risk for new ideas and approaches

• Challenging and encouraging personal and/or organizational achievement

Preferred Environment for Service

• Liaison to other service groups, especially those with a novel or unusual focus

• World service and missions

• Strategy development for congregations and missions

• Marketing and promoting spiritual needs and services

Common "Confessions"

• Overselling the benefits, forgetting or omitting the bare, cold facts

• Taking ownership of tasks from others, overextending one's boundaries

• Believing that what is so easily imagined can be easily achieved

• Not following procedures, ignoring rules

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Methodical spiritual disciplines

• Challenging, intellectually vigorous Bible study

• Corporate worship

• Personal relationship with God

Trap: Competitiveness

ENTJ

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” John 3:18

Contribution to the Spiritual Community

• Developing long-range plans for people and organizations

• Understanding how parts relate to whole

• Bringing a logical order to problems

• Intellectual and philosophical insights applied to spiritual matters

Leadership Style

• Taking charge when a strong leader is needed

• Using conceptual models to guide action

• Exhibiting dedication, concentration, confidence

• Standing firm on principles against opposition

Preferred Environment for Service

• Leadership, long-range planning, strategic alignment or development of mission

• Fund-raising and investing

• Program evaluation and development

• Adult education

Common "Confessions"

• Railroading gentler types

• Overly rational, wanting to reduce everything to a logical formula or principle

• Holding to rigorous standards for self and others

• Being impatient and critical

Possible Spiritual Helps

• Intellectually oriented Bible study

• Discussion/dialogue with a respected spiritual leader

• Contemplation and prayer to build a more personal relationship with God

• Inquiry and learning through exploration of theological questions

Trap: Not being open to the influence of others

Descriptions for ASSESSMENT FOUR

Descriptions of the Six Evangelistic Styles

CONFRONTATIONAL STYLE

Biblical Example: Peter in Acts 2

Theme Verse: 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

Contemporary Examples: Chuck Colson, Billy Graham

Traits:

• Confident

• Bold

• Direct

• Skips small talk, likes to get right to the point, has strong opinions and convictions

Cautions: Be sure to seek God's wisdom so you will be appropriately sensitive and tactful. Allow the Holy Spirit to restrain your desire to come on strong in every situation. Avoid judging or laying guilt trips on others who approach evangelism with a different style.

Suggestions for Using and developing this Style: Ask friends for feedback on whether or not you have the right balance of boldness and gentleness. Keep in mind Paul’s phrase in Ephesians 4, "speaking the truth in love." Both truth and love are essential. Prepare yourself for situations where you will stand alone (read about Peter in Acts 2 and other scripture). The nonbeliever you confront with the truth will sometimes feel uncomfortable. Even non-confrontational Christians who are with you will sometimes feel that discomfort. That's okay. Under God's guidance challenge people to trust and follow Christ, and He will use it. Practice the principle of "Putting Others First." It is critical that you listen and value what others say before telling them what you think they need to hear. Team up with friends who have other styles that may be better matched to the personality of the person you hope to reach.

INTELLECTUAL STYLE

Biblical Example: Paul in Acts 17

Theme Verse: 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Contemporary Examples: Josh McDowell, D. James Kennedy

Traits:

• Analytical

• Logical

• Inquisitive

• Likes to debate

• More concerned with what people think than what they feel

Cautions: Avoid getting stuck on academic points, arguments, and evidence. These are mainly to clear the way back to the central Gospel message. Remember that attitude is as important as information. I Peter 3:15 says to have "gentleness and respect." Avoid becoming argumentative.

Suggestions for Using and developing this Style: Set time aside to study and prepare. This style, more than the others, relies on preparation. Take serious action on what it says in I Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”. Avoid doing all your preparation in an academic vacuum. Get out and talk to others. Try out your arguments and answers on real people, and make refinements as needed. Develop your relational side. Talk to people about every day events, and what is happening in their life and yours. Team up with friends who have other styles that may be better matched to the personality of the person you hope to reach.

TESTIMONIAL STYLE

Biblical Example: The Blind Man in John 9

Theme Verse: 1 John l3a “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us…”

Contemporary Examples: Corrie ten Boom, Joni Erickson Tada

Traits:

• Clear communicator

• Good listener

• Vulnerable about personal life, its ups and downs

• Overwhelmed by the account of how God reached them

• Sees links between their own experience and that of other people's

Cautions: Be sure to relate your experience to the life of your listener. This requires first hearing enough about your friend's life to know how to relate your story to their situation. Do not stop with merely telling your story. Challenge them to consider how what you learned might apply to their life. Avoid downplaying the value of your story because it seems too ordinary. The ordinary story is the kind that relates best to ordinary people!

Suggestions for using and developing this Style: Practice so you will be able to tell your story without hesitation. Keep Christ and the Gospel message as the centerpiece of your story. This is an account of how He changed your life. Keep your story fresh by adding new and current illustrations from your daily walk with Christ. Team up with friends who have other styles that may be better matched to the personality of the person you hope to reach.

INTERPERSONAL STYLE

Biblical Example: Matthew in Luke 5

Theme Verse: I Corinthians 9:22 “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. "

Contemporary Examples: Becky Pippert, Joe Aldrich.

Traits:

• Conversational

• Compassionate

• Sensitive

• Friendship-oriented

• Focuses on people and their needs

Cautions: Beware of valuing friendship over truth. Telling them they are sinners in need of a savior will test the relationship. Do not get so involved in the process of building friendships that you forget the ultimate goal: bringing people to know Christ as forgiver and leader. Do not get overwhelmed with the amount of needs your friends might have-do what you can and leave the rest to God.

Suggestions for Using and developing this Style: Be patient. This style tends to work more gradually than others. Look and pray for opportunities to turn conversations toward spiritual matters. Continually create and plan opportunities to interact with new people through social events, sports, etc. This will put you in a position where your style can flourish. Practice telling the Gospel message so you will be prepared when the opportunity arises. Team up with friends who have other styles that may be better matched to the personality of the person you hope to reach.

INVITATIONAL STYLE

Biblical Example: The woman at the well in John 4.

Theme Verse: Luke 14:23

Then the master told his servant, "Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. "

Contemporary Example: Ruth Graham

Traits:

• Hospitable

• Persuasive

• Enjoys meeting new people

• Committed (believes in the things in which he or she is involved)

• Sees outreach events as unique opportunities

Cautions: Do not let others do all the talking for you. Your friends and acquaintances need to hear how Christ has influenced your own life. In addition, your friends have questions you could answer concerning the implications of the Gospel in their own lives. Carefully and prayerfully consider which events or church services you take people to. Look for ones that are truly sensitive to spiritual seekers that will help them in their journey toward Christ. Do not get discouraged if people refuse your invitation. Their refusal could be an opportunity for a spiritual conversation. Also, their "no" today may be a "yes" tomorrow.

Suggestions for Using and developing this Style: When inviting people, try to get written details about the event into their hands (either preprinted or handwritten out). Whenever appropriate, offer to pick them up and do something together before or after the event. At events, put yourself in the place of the other person. Ask yourself if you were that person, whether the event would relate to your concerns and mindset. Reinforce those things to the person you invited. Offer positive and constructive feedback to the event sponsors consisting of specific and realistic ideas on ways you think they could improve the event and make it more compelling to the people you bring. Team up with friends who have other styles that may be better matched to the personality of the person you hope to reach.

SERVING STYLE

Biblical Example: Dorcas in Acts 9

Theme Verse: Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Contemporary Examples: Mother Teresa, Jimmy Carter

Traits:

• Patient

• Others-centered

• Sees needs and finds joy in meeting them

• Shows love through action more than words

• Attaches value to even menial tasks

Cautions: Remember that although "words are no substitute for actions," "actions are no substitute for words." In Romans 10: 14 Paul says that we must verbally tell people about Christ. You can do this in many ways as you point to Him as the central motivation for your acts of service. Do not underestimate the value of your service. It is your style that will reach those persons who are the most negative and hardened toward God. Acts of loving service are hard to resist and difficult to argue with. Be discerning as to how much you can do realistically, without depriving yourself or your family of needed care and attention.

Suggestions for Using and developing this Style: Find creative, non-imposing ways to communicate the spiritual motivation behind the physical acts of service you offer to others. It could be through a word, a card, or an invitation in response to thanks for your service. ("Well, one thing you could do for me sometime would be to come to one of our services at church.") Seek God daily for opportunities to serve others for eternal purposes. He will open your eyes to areas you would have missed. Be ready to follow His leadings, even if they seem a bit out of the ordinary. Be careful not to impose your service on others. Pray for wisdom so you will know where to invest your efforts in ways that will be strategic for the Kingdom of God. Team up with friends who have other styles that may be better matched to the personality of the person you hope to reach.

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